Apollotile Slideshow

Exploring Texture and Tone: Natural Tiles for Your Shower Walls

Apr 05, 2024

Over your boring shower walls? Ditch the drab and turn your shower into a spa-worthy oasis! Get ready to transform your shower with the power of stone. Natural tiles come in amazing textures and colors, from smooth marble to rugged slate. And unlike other tile materials, they add a touch of nature’s unique beauty that lasts. Read on to learn how to make your dream shower a reality with natural tiles.

Textures of Natural Tiles

Tired of staring at the same smooth shower walls? Us too! Natural stone and tile come in amazing textures that don’t just look cool, they add a whole new shower experience. Let’s explore some top textures to turn your shower into a sensory and visual escape.

Smooth

Polished natural stone like marble creates a smooth, sleek texture. The smoothness highlights subtle veining and patterns in the stone. Smooth textures work well for contemporary, glamorous showers.

Rough

Rougher textures like tumbled limestone have an earthier, rustic feel. The uneven surface of the tile makes for delightful variation. Rough textures match country, farmhouse, or Mediterranean-style showers.

Pitted

Many natural stone tiles like travertine have holes and pits resulting from mineral formation. This pitted texture provides antiqued character and visual charm. Pitted tiles complement old-world, Tuscan-style showers.

Tumbled

Tumbling breaks the edges and softens stone tiles for a charming aged effect. Tumbled subway tiles and mosaics have a vintage allure perfect for shabby chic or cottage showers.

Tones of Natural Tiles

The tone refers to the lightness or darkness of a tile. When selecting tiles for your shower, consider how the tone will complement the rest of your bathroom’s color scheme. Here are some of the most popular tones for natural shower tiles:

Light Tones

Light-toned tiles like cream, white, or beige can help make a smaller shower feel more spacious and airy. They reflect light well, creating a bright ambiance. Light tiles paired with glass shower walls or doors really open up the space. The downside is they can show dirt, stains, and soap scum more easily.

Dark Tones

For a cozy, dramatic shower design, go for darker-toned tiles in hues like charcoal, gray, or brown. However, very dark tiles can make a small shower feel closed in. So be sure to balance very dark tiles with lighter grout.

Neutral Tones

Popular neutral tones include almond, tan, oatmeal, and taupe. These softer, natural hues blend well with most color schemes. They provide a calm, zen backdrop. Neutrals are easy to match with mosaic tiles or stone accents.

Earthy Tones

Natural tiles in earthy reds, browns, and terra cottas are trending. These nature-inspired tones bring warmth and texture. Mix different shapes and patterns for an eclectic, bohemian style.

Shower Wall Design Ideas

Ready to embrace the magic of natural stone and tile? Great! Now comes the fun part: unleashing your inner design diva!

Here are some battle-tested ideas for creating a stunning and spa-worthy shower.

Full-on Fabulous

Cover the whole wall in natural tile for a sleek, sophisticated vibe. Bonus points for using larger tiles to make your shower feel extra spacious. Just remember, minimal grout lines are key for a clean, modern finish.

Accentuate It

Feeling playful? Use two complementary tiles! Pick a neutral stone for most of the wall, then add a pop of personality with a contrasting texture on one wall, a border, or even a niche. Imagine smooth pebbles next to rugged slate – pure eye candy!

Pattern Power

Feel free to get creative. Lay your tiles in a pattern for a truly unique look. Stack them neatly, offset them for a dynamic feel, or create geometric shapes. Want to up the ante? Mix and match tile sizes for an extra dose of personality. Just remember, keep the overall design clean and classic – you're aiming for a spa vibe, not a disco ball effect.

Transforming Your Shower from Drab to Fab is Totally Within Reach!

With a little planning and these tips on shower wall tiles texture and tone, you can create a shower that's both beautiful and functional. So ditch the boring walls, embrace the natural world, and get ready to experience a shower that feels as good as it looks!

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